Critical Thinking

Sitting on top of your shoulders is one of the finest computers on the earth. But, like any other muscle in your body, it needs to be exercised to work its best. That exercise is called

THINKING.
I think, therefore I am. - Rene Descartes
Source: http://www.clt.astate.edu/rgrippo/chapter%205%20%20Critical%20Thinking.ppt

What is critical thinking?

Commonly called problem solving Not being content with the first solution to a problem, but thinking more deeply about it. Knowing, understanding, analyzing, synthesizing, applying and evaluating the idea or problem Looking for what is implied in a question rather than what is stated Applying the rules of logic to problem solving Not letting reason be clouded by emotion

 Abstract Thinking:

Four Aspects of Critical Thinking

thinking past what your senses tell you

Creative Thinking:

thinking out of the box, innovating

Systematic Thinking:

organizing your thoughts into logical steps

Communicative Thinking:

being precise in giving your ideas to others.

Critical Thinking: What is involved?

Question: what is being asked? Purpose: why do I want the answer? Point of View: where do I stand to look at the question? Information: what data do I have? Concepts: what ideas are involved? Assumptions: what am I taking for granted? Inferences: what conclusions am I drawing? Consequences: what are the implications of my question?

Critical Thinkers
Acknowledge personal limitations. See problems as exciting challenges. Have understanding as a goal. Use evidence to make judgments. Are interested in others ideas. Are skeptical of extreme views. Think before acting. Avoid emotionalism Keep an open mind

Uncritical Thinkers
o o o o o o o o Pretend to know more than they do. Get annoyed by problems. Are impatient. Judge on first impressions and intuition. Focus on their own opinions. Look only for ideas like their own. Are guided by feelings rather than thoughts. Claim that thinking gives them a headache. Dont think about it, just sign it!

A Thinkers Lexicon
Inference
Plausible Validity Claim Fact Opinion Argument
A judgment based on evidence
Logical and believable, credible Truthful, well-founded To assert as a fact whether it is or not A truth that cannot be disputed A personal view or belief A set of claims to support an assertion

Assumption An inference that is believed to be true

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning Specific Reasoning
Example: My history class requires a lot of reading

Broad Principles
All college courses have a lot of reading

Deductive Reasoning Broad Generalizations

Example: All college courses are hard

Specific Conclusions
My art history course will be hard

The IDEAL Method

Yes, ladies and Identify the problem. gentlemen, its IDEAL! Define the problem. Explore alternative approaches. Act on the best strategies. Look back to evaluate the effects.

Ask Questions

Yes! Ask me!

One quality of a good critical thinker is the ability to ask on-target questions. If you dont usually ask questions, is it because you
Fear embarrassment? Worry what others will think of you? Worry that the instructor will think your question is strange? Worry that others will think youre showing off?

When you dont ask questions, you sacrifice your education. If you dont take risks, you wont get the maximum benefit in developing your mind.

Theres No Such Thing as a Stupid Question (Usually)

There are unwelcome questions. Dont ask questions that detract from the momentum of the class. Dont ask questions that focus more on self-concerns than on the needs of the class. Dont ask questions that demonstrate you failed to pay attention. Dont ask silly questions.
Can I draw you a conclusion? Well, can I?

Offer Criticism
You will most likely be asked to judge or evaluate issues in college. First decide whether you like what you are being asked to judge. Consider both positive and negative attributes. Use examples to support your judgment. Dont be intimidated by this kind of assignment; your instructors want you to develop your critical thinking skills.

Make the Right Inferences

You are constantly making inferences. Inferences are interpretations that you derive from processing cues in a situation. A plausible inference is a judgment that is logical, and possibly accurate. Sometimes inferences become assumptions something we believe to be true and act on as though it were. Inferences can be tricky. It is easy to be wrong and you may operate on faulty assumptions until you are informed otherwise.

Four Common Decision Making Problems

Snap decisions
Dont jump to conclusions!

Narrow thinking
Broaden your vistas!

Sprawling thinking
Dont beat around the bush!

Fuzzy thinking
Keep it sharp! Keep it relevant!

What is a Claim?
A claim is a statement which can be either true or false, but not both. A claim is an assertion you want to have accepted as a fact and not be disputed. When evaluating a claim, you have three choices: accept the claim reject the claim suspend judgment until you have more information

Im stakin a claim!

What is an Argument?
An argument is a set of claims.

Arguments begin with premises and lead to a conclusion A good argument is one in which the premises lead logically to a strong or valid conclusion.

Form Strong Arguments

Be sure the conclusion follows logically from the premises. Leave out faulty or dubious premises. Use precise language to pinpoint your claim. Avoid making claims you cant prove.
This is a perfectly logical argument (called a syllogism.)

It only has one small problem: NASA hasnt found any green men on Mars. Oh, well

Know Your Own Biases

Everyone has strong preferences and prejudices that may prevent us from evaluating arguments fairly. Acknowledging these can increase the likelihood of coming up with more effective arguments. Good reasoners guard against their own soft spots to increase their objectivity. Be honest with yourself: Am I opinionated?

Refine Your Reasoning

Be willing to argue Use deductive reasoning Check your assumptions Know your own biases Observe carefully Stay positive and persistent Show concern for accuracy Take time before concluding

What Makes a Creative Thinker?

They actively pursue experiences that are aesthetically pleasing. They enjoy taking a unique approach to things. They love the process of creating. They are flexible and like to play with problems. They take risks and learn from their mistakes. They strive to evaluate their work fairly. They thrive when they think of assignment guidelines as a launching point for their imagination.

Nurture Your Own Creativity

Dont accept other peoples blueprints. Be vigilant about what others cant see. Differentiate the good from the bad. Take the plunge before youre an expert. Concentrate on the big picture. Take sensible risks. Motivate yourself from inside. Shape environments that will support your creativity. Actively pursue your creative life.

Critical Thinking: A Skill to Carry You Through Life

Professors and future employers value your ability to perform these critical thinking skills: Manage and interpret information Examine exciting ideas and develop new ones Pose logical and cogent arguments Recognize reliable evidence Be proactive rather than reactive Think things through in depth. Always
be reasonable

Why College Encourages Critical Thinking

Remember:
Thinkers are generally movers and shakers. Sometimes how you solve a problem is as important as the solution. Open ended questions of Why?, How? or What If? have no simple, clear-cut answers. There are many valid points of view! The greatest gift a college can give you is an open mind.

Exercise 5.2 in textbook (page 97)

Follow instructions in assignment. Try to meet with someone outside of your chosen field of study. Prepare a short paper as described in your syllabus. Be prepared to discuss your findings in class on Monday, Sept. 24th. Short paper should be typed and submitted to your instructor on Sept. 24th.